Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' (1 gal)

Daylily 'Strawberry Candy'

Sweeten Your Garden with a Touch of Southern Charm

At Wright’s Market, nestled in our 1938 cottage, we believe in the beauty of simple, joyful moments shared with family and friends. Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' is a plant that embodies this spirit perfectly—its sweet, candy-striped blooms and delightful color make it a cherished addition to any garden. With its striking pink and white flowers, this daylily brings both beauty and joy, adding a playful touch to your Southern landscape.

History & Meaning:
The Daylily (Hemerocallis) family is beloved for its resilience, vibrant blooms, and simple beauty. The 'Strawberry Candy' variety, introduced by hybridizer Jim Kinsella, brings a playful twist to the traditional daylily. Its soft pink and creamy white petals with a deep strawberry-colored center are reminiscent of the sweet, timeless treats of Southern summers—perfect for bringing a little extra sweetness to your garden.

In the language of flowers, daylilies represent beauty, grace, and devotion. The 'Strawberry Candy' daylily, with its cheerful, candy-colored blooms, symbolizes the sweetness of life, love, and family—the very essence of Southern hospitality. Every bloom is like a little moment of joy, reminding us to cherish the beauty in the simplest of things.

Where It Grows Best:
Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it a perfect plant for Southern gardens. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. This daylily prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to various soil types, making it an easy-to-grow option for gardeners of all experience levels. Once established, 'Strawberry Candy' is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect for adding color and texture to flower beds, borders, or containers. Whether planted as a stand-alone specimen or in groups, it will provide a continuous display of vibrant color throughout the growing season.

Blooming Time:
The 'Strawberry Candy' daylily blooms in mid to late summer, typically from June to July, producing large, showy flowers that last for just one day. However, the plant is a prolific bloomer, so fresh flowers continue to emerge throughout the blooming period, ensuring that your garden remains colorful for weeks. The pale pink and white blooms, accented by a strawberry-red center and yellow throat, create a striking contrast that is both sweet and sophisticated. The flowers appear on tall, sturdy stems, making them a perfect addition to any garden bed or border.

Care Instructions:
Caring for Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' is easy, and this low-maintenance perennial will reward you with years of beautiful blooms. Here’s how to keep it thriving:

• Watering: 'Strawberry Candy' is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it performs best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Be sure to water deeply to encourage strong root growth.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, though it will adapt to a variety of soil types, from loamy to slightly sandy soils. Adding compost can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.

• Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage with fewer flowers.

• Pruning: Remove spent blooms regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new blooms. In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to around 4-6 inches above the ground to make room for fresh growth.

• Winter Care: 'Strawberry Candy' is hardy in most Southern climates, but a light mulch around the base in colder areas will help protect the roots during the winter months.

Complimentary Plants:
Pair Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' with other Southern garden favorites to create a delightful, vibrant display:

• Lavender: The soft purple blooms of lavender contrast beautifully with the pink and white of the 'Strawberry Candy' daylily, adding a sweet fragrance to your garden.

• Coreopsis: The sunny yellow flowers of coreopsis are a perfect complement to the soft pink hues of 'Strawberry Candy', creating a cheerful, colorful combination.

• Shasta Daisy: The crisp white petals of Shasta daisies provide a beautiful contrast to the pink and white blooms of 'Strawberry Candy', adding classic charm to your garden.

• Echinacea (Coneflower): The purple coneflowers pair wonderfully with the soft pink tones of 'Strawberry Candy', adding both color and texture to your garden while attracting pollinators.

• Salvia: The tall, spiky blooms of salvia in shades of purple or blue pair beautifully with the more rounded, showy flowers of 'Strawberry Candy', creating a dynamic contrast in your garden.

The Daylily 'Strawberry Candy' isn’t just a plant—it’s a celebration of life’s sweet moments. With its vibrant, candy-colored blooms and easy care, it brings a burst of joy and beauty to any garden. Whether you’re planting it to enjoy with family and friends or adding a touch of Southern charm to your landscape, 'Strawberry Candy' is sure to be a favorite for years to come.